The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 5

The Balvenie have launched the latest batch of their limited edition Tun 1401 malt whisky at an event in London this week.

This is the fifth batch produced in the eponymous tun at their Speyside distillery, with batch 2 having been available in the UK last year while 3 and 4 went to export markets.

Batch 5 will consist of 2862 bottles produced from a marriage of casks predominantly from the 1970s, with the oldest being a sherry butt filled in 1966.

The release marks the fiftieth year at the distillery for malt master David Stewart, who told harpers.co.uk: “Working with whiskies of this age is both a delight and a challenge, as their individual characteristics are so rich and complex. Determining which ones will work together takes time and it is important to do justice to them. Five very rare crafts and a long wait have gone into making these vintage whiskies, and it’s important this single malt meets the expectations of what has become a sought after release by our drinkers.”

Bottled at 50.1% abv The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 5 will retail at selected outlets for £160.99.